Built on Experience
Justice Services, Inc. is a Criminal Justice Agency licensed by the Arizona Department of Health Services, Office of Behavioral Health to provide behavioral health screenings, education, treatment, and outpatient therapy for adults and juveniles, domestic violence screenings and treatment pursuant to ARS §13-3601.01 and alcohol screening, education, and treatment services pursuant to ARS §28-1381 and §28-1382.
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Three Basic Priciples
- Offenders should have effective and appropriate care.
- Offenders have a right to privacy and to confidential handling of any and all information they provide.
- Cultural, racial, ethnic, and gender concerns must be considered in all aspects of the screening and assessment
In 1980, building on the success of the initial Alcohol Diversion Program, Justice Services’ predecessor, Camelback Hospital, in cooperation with the City of Scottsdale Prosecutor’s office and courts, began to develop additional diversion and sentencing alternative programs for persons convicted of domestic violence offenses, assault and disorderly conduct for persons not related, shoplifting, petty theft, sex offenses and underage drinking. By working hand-in-hand with the judges and prosecutors, Justice Services was able to develop quality programs that continually improve, and meet the needs of the criminal justice system.
The programs continue to be refined by incorporating into the curricula, Best Practices models that are the results of the latest research in the fields of psychology, sociology and behavioral modification. Through the curricula and the Justice Services’ skilled therapists, defendants become cognizant of their patterns of behavior and begin to learn new behaviors that can readily be used outside of the therapeutic setting. Defendants are encouraged to examine personal responsibility, values, goal setting, personal beliefs, and self-image, as well as develop the insight to learn new behavioral skills. In addition to the court-mandated programs, therapeutic sessions are provided to the victims of the defendants referred to Justice Services at no cost to the victims.
Combining the technologies of Best Practices program curriculums and an efficient management information system, Justice Services’ programs demand accountability and provide immediate consequences for self-defeating behavior patterns. Justice Services combines computerized data collection, intensive case management, education, and treatment coupled with immediate accurate reporting. Justice Services through positive interventions offers a means to substantially avert law enforcement, prosecutorial, court, and incarceration costs resulting from the continuing criminal career of the defendants in the criminal justice system.
Accountability forms the cornerstone of Justice Services’ programs. Failure of program participants to follow-through on assignments are confronted and remediation plans are developed immediately. Progress is measured by commitment to change. Positive impact on defendants’ behavior is maximized while demanding behavioral accountability.
The cognitive behavioral programs are also designed to address the emotional, impulse control, and cognitive dimensions of criminal behavior. Antisocial attitudes, thinking, and behaviors must be addressed and changed. More normal family and social relationships and friendships are enhanced and encouraged. Self-reliance, dependability, and reliability are fostered. An environment where participants can practice “real life” skills and have the opportunity to make decisions, be responsible, and be held accountable is provided. The most effective approach to dysfunctional behavior is to provide systemic interventions that suppress known criminogenic risk factors and enhance pro-social alternative values.
Today’s programs provide a learning environment conducive to behavioral changes that are maximized within a framework dedicated to meeting the needs of the courts and prosecutors, while complying with the mandates of Arizona statutes. Awareness of and dedication to this need for flexibility not only serves the defendants well but is also invaluable to an ever-changing criminal justice system.
Justice Services’ programs offer positive and effective alternatives that can be used outside of the classroom setting and incorporated into everyday prosocial behaviors. The time for treatment intervention is when the defendant is most receptive. That window of opportunity is at the time of the arrest and prosecution. The time of crisis has been shown to be an effective time for a person to make positive changes in his/her life that may deter future criminal activity.
The agency maintains numerous locations in its effort to ensure services are readily accessible. Screenings and education or treatment programs may be conducted in the same or different Justice Services’ locations based on the needs of the client. Justice Services’ facilities are conveniently located and are on bus routes. All sites comply with Section 504 of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Our experience has shown that recidivism rates are drastically lowered, costs to the judicial system are substantially reduced and the potential for offenders to become responsible productive members of our society is greatly enhanced by the implementation of an effective treatment program. The combination of comprehensive laws, strict enforcement, aggressive prosecution, and a therapeutic educational experience can reduce repeated crime.
Computerized Information and Tracking
In foresight, Justice Services allocated extensive resources to develop its computerized information system. The Justice Services’ management information system (MIS) is one of the most effective and efficient computer programs in the criminal justice field. The company’s proprietary computer software program, “JUSTICE 2000” is being continuously upgraded and improved. The “JUSTICE 2000” program can, and does, provide courts and prosecutors with up-to-date reports and can be configured to provide legal documents, such as Motions and Orders ready for the Judge or Prosecutor’s signature.
Justice Services’ commitment to the criminal justice system and community is clearly demonstrated by its highly skilled and knowledgeable professional employees. Over the years, many municipal and justice courts, city, town and county prosecutors as well as the Arizona Department of Motor Vehicles, have utilized the effective and dynamic programs and services that Justice Services provides through its professional staff. Justice Services has provided free of charge education and training to law enforcement, prosecutors, attorneys, and other agencies in Arizona and continues to provide free weekly group counseling to victims of domestic violence.
Our experience, expertise, and integrity, combined with depth of knowledge and resources in the industry, place our company in a position to provide comprehensive services, and treatment programs to the Arizona Department of Corrections. We at Justice Services welcome the opportunity to link Justice Services’ resources with the experience, vision and leadership of the Arizona Department of Corrections. Justice Services has learned through experience and research that effective application of known correctional knowledge can create widespread, positive offender outcomes.
Justice Services believes these effective applications of known offender knowledge can result in positive offender outcomes. The corporation grew steadily, based on current research and Best Practices models, according to plan to become on of the largest correctional treatment centers in Arizona.
In the 22 years since Justice Services’ Director led the treatment of offenders in the correctional field, the office has changed it’s name, its locations, and increased it services but has never changed the commitment to the clients.
